Merry Christmas!

Kelly and I had an amazing Christmas, without snow. In fact, we each got a nice sunburn to bring back. This morning we went to Karon beach and had a blast. It was cheap, beautiful, and warm. After sufficient swimming time, we ventured Phuket Town to look at the architecture (famous) and trek up Rang Hill to watch the sun set over the city. We also ate Thai food (finally)! And I didn't even get sick (yet). We didn't succumb to tourist traps at all (except splurging on a pedicure - a whole $5), we got amazing pictures, and we encountered several gorgeous babies.

Tomorrow we will be kayaking off an island north of Phuket all afternoon and ending the day with a sunset cruise and a Thai seafood dinner on the water. I expect more sunburn and sore feet, but it will definitely be worth it. I would post pictures, but I signed on to the computer without a drive for my camera :( Do check out Kelly's blog, and I will try to post some soon.

As much fun as we are having NOT in NY, I do miss you all. There is something to be said about getting away on a vacation, but there is also a lot of worth in tradition and normalcy. Merry Christmas everyone :)

1 city down, 3 to go...

Kelly and I survived Bangkok, but just barely. To quote an expert (aka Traci), it is "overcrowded and over polluted." Given it was extremely exciting and "omoshiroi," we were severely taken advantage of by tuk tuk drivers galore, treated to mattresses fit for a king who likes to sleep on pavement, and forced to feed pigeons who didn't know they were exploiting tourists.

On the bright side, we got to see a giant Buddha, an amazing park, and National Treasure in English (after we all paid homage to the youthful king). We visited on election weekend, so no alcohol. We found some great food and shopping, but it took forever to get around. We also witnessed a man get hit by a car, and we still aren't sure whether or not he is okay.

Overall, yesterday was extremely stressful and tiring, but today we spent all morning in an oasis of green - riding in a paddle boat and spying on Thai lovebirds - and then relaxed in the airport playing Dutch Blitz. Now we are in Phuket, and successfully checked in to our MUCH nicer hostel (we have mattresses AND pillow cases). Tomorrow, we will spend Christmas exploring beaches and fine food. We are both homesick and feeling very short on holiday cheer, but Phuket will make up for it in sunshine.

Merry Christmas everyone!

less than an hour to go!!

2 days to go????

I have no idea how it is already Thursday night. Where did the week go?

Monday: I did a heck of a lot of shopping and teaching.

Tuesday: Annual Christmas chapel. Dan warned me that despite the beautiful candlelit atmosphere, it would be boring. He was half right. I couldn't understand a word of the long sermon, but the Christmas music, candles, tree, and carols was definitely not boring. I needed that quick dose of Christmas to get me through the week. That night I had dinner with Tomoko san (who got me slippers for Christmas....men's, because she couldn't find any women's big enough for me...). Then we headed off to my Japanese class entrance interview. I passed ;)...which everyone does, it is just a matter of getting a spot in the class. Our text is all in hirigana/katakana, which means I will be the slowest reader there, but also that I will leave being a ton faster at grocery shopping.

Wednesday: I don't really want to revisit this day - it is naturally chaotic because I teach all day long, but this was especially bad because I had to make at least 100 sugar cookies and frosting and buy a secret santa gift. However, it was all well worth it. A few of the girls visited throughout the day to help me bake, and our English Christmas party was a blast. I got a bag of toys, so my Christmas is already merry.

Thursday: We had two Christmas parties for Dan's English students and finally got my package from Brian. He sent me an anniversary gift along with 48 candy canes I requested. Unfortunately, they didn't arrive in time for the party, and only 28 arrived in tact. However, I had just enough time to glue on red pom-poms and googly eyes and pipe-cleaner antlers like it was my job. I took those with me to ESS and the girls were thrilled. Then I took a ridiculously long nap before Dan and I went to investigate another Japanese class down the road. It was fruitless, but I was able to find and buy a snickers bar on the way home, so overall it was a successful day.

Forecast for next week: I predict I will be living it up in Thailand, but I could be wrong. Have fun with the blizzards ;)...

I ate octopus. and I liked it.

mmm...

The biggest tree in the world

This is for JJ :)

It has been an insane week.

Monday-Wednesday were business as usual (bonus: Wednesday I got to see the Kindergarten Christmas concert :D), but Thursday I got to go to Universal Studios Japan with 4 other American high school students. It was great, given it was a rainy day and that kept most of the crowds away. There is nothing more amusing than seeing the Terminator 3-D with Japanese voice overs. I felt like a kid again, blowing money on caramel corn and roller coasters. And it was neat to be surrounded by a merged American-Japanese world. Sites that I recognize, but with the obvious Japanese flare. Like Hello Kitty walking around instead of Mickey Mouse. We fortunately came during the Christmas season, so I was treated to English carols, dancing snowmen, and even an Elvis-impersonating Rudolph.

On Friday I hosted a Takoyaki party in my apartment. FINALLY I got to have the girls over to just hang out. It was great. I dreaded the whole eating deep fried octopus tentacles...but I will admit that I loved it. It might even be my favorite Japanese food so far. Erika, Sayaka, Keiko, Miki, and Yuchi took care of everything and tried teaching me how to fry and roll the balls. I failed miserably, but had fun doing it. They also had the chance to talk to Brian (and JJ) via Skype for a little bit. It was great seeing the girls as friends rather than students, and I hope they felt the same way.

This upcoming week is going to be insane. I will be attending who knows how many Christmas parties, finishing up classes for the year, finishing Thailand plans with Kelly, and then flying to toasty Bangkok on Saturday. We will be back in time to spend New Year's Eve here in Osaka and hopefully take part in some local celebrations. I am homesick, yes. What I wouldn't do for some Hooker/Nobles baked goods, putting thousands of Christmas cards in students' mailboxes, and helping decorate the Christmas tree. But since I can't be there, I wouldn't rather be anywhere else but here. I am kept busy and I am having a great time teaching my students and friends about my traditions for a change. It's not half bad.

I'm watching Japanese TV

These are the ladies who are "shy and serious," the ones I spent weeks dreading teaching!



...because Dan said it would help me begin picking up more of the language. He said to just have it on in the background all day so I am exposed to it and slowly absorb it. Clearly not vocabulary, but maybe intonation and all that. But I am really good at tuning it out. Right now a young girl is talking to a puppet who is apparently an old man with a bowl haircut. I think they are talking about animals, but they seem so sad. It's hard to tell with puppets.

I've had an eventful week. I had my last 2 adult classes on Friday. It was surprisingly depressing, but one class even gave me a present (a really cute pair of half-gloves. I'm not sure why...). But with the end of those 2 classes came the start of my new tutoring group: the two girls who will be attending Roberts next year. I have been looking forward to this for a while. They are both Kindergarten Education majors, so neither are fluent in English. In fact, I have to back track quite a bit in my thinking because I found myself teaching and speaking the same way I do with my other students (who are English majors and have been in tutoring all year). It's difficult, but fun. They are going to be coming to my apartment every Friday night for some crash courses in everyday English conversations. These lessons will be more fun for me, though, knowing that the students will actually be using them. I can fashion my lessons easier, too, knowing what types of situations they will be in at RWC. And I will get to see them once I am back in the states, so I know these will be lasting relationships. Hence, I have been looking forward to this class.

I went Christmas shopping today. Actually, I went hunting for candy canes (which they don't sell anywhere!). I finally experienced the craziness of it. Having lived in the middle of Missouri or Pennsylvania, I have never exactly witnessed a "Jingle All the Way" Christmas (You know, where Arnold fights to get his son some highly demanded robot toy?). I can't imagine everyone was actually buying gifts for all their family and friends (since it's not the same holiday here), yet there were still a million people on the streets! It must be chaos in NYC. I never did find those candy canes, but had plenty of distractions to make me feel better (like $5 shirts).

Kelly and I are going to Thailand in 2 weeks!!! I am going kayaking at sunset, watching baby elephants play darts, and buying wicked cheap silk. All for less than a trip to Disney World.

Oh, and Brian and I just turned 3 years old yesterday :).

Have you ever heard a deer's mating call?

Well, I have! It's actually quite pathetic and wimpy for such a large, graceful (even when they're rolling off your windshield) animal. Today I went to Nara, a nearby town and the original capital of Japan (apparently Kyoto was 2nd). It was gorgeous and it helped me lay to rest a bit of my jealousy toward Kelly (her pictures are amazing). Kanai san and Fuyuki san took me for a great lunch (okoge) and a tour of all the temples, shrines, and parks. The leaves were amazing - Japanese maples blow New York's out of the water - and the weather was perfect and the crowds were minimal. I even got to feed and pet a few of Nara's famous tame deer.

On Friday and Saturday (that's right, I'm working backwards...try to keep up), OCC held a school festival. The girls competed in a talent show (except here that means the entire class competes in a group, more of that communal culture showing itself) and had carnival booths. I spent a lot of money on junk, but got to hang out with a lot of the girls outside of class, which is always encouraging. I also ate a giant squid tentacle.

On Friday night, I went with the Seike family to their church's performance of Handel's Messiah (in Japanese). It was great, but 3 hours. So, that's a once in a lifetime endeavor.

Thanksgiving was horrible. On top of issues at home, it was lonely and boring.

Wednesday we had a Thanksgiving party for the girls. It was crazy busy, and while only about 20 showed up for dinner - by the end of the event, there were probably 70 girls packed in. It was great to see them getting involved when I know they were incredibly busy preparing for the festival. I like to think that they are more and more interested in English, which makes me feel like my job is not in vain.

Well, that's where I will have to end because I can't remember anything before. You can only pack so much in before the rest starts to leak out. That's why I take so many pictures.

As homesick as I am today...

I am still thankful.

*For technology (which makes distance seem bearable)
*For universal emotions (like crying when your friend tells you she finally got a teaching job...now that is friendship)
*For extra moms (as crazy as they are, my Japanese co-workers sure do take good care of me)
*For wool socks (cheap at Walmart)
*For an elementary school right outside my window (despite and because of the noise)
*For Christmas lights (and all of the other western trends that pop up now and then and remind me of home)
*For really long letters and emails (that make me miss late night talks with my girls)

*Arigato*

Tonight Shigetomi sensei never called and wasn't at his office at 7:15pm. So I made my way back home, depressed because I couldn't really go alone (I've only ridden there once and it was a blur). But as I put my key in the lock, I was ashamed...because no one was making me go, I was going to stay home. UGH! That's how I have always been when it comes to church or volunteering...When no one is going with me to hold me accountable, I have no motivation. So, I rode...without thinking....I didn't know where I was going! But, by the grace of God or repressed memories, I kind of just ended up there...

Tonight was the wrong night to come without an interpreter. Kanai sensei, 76, died on Monday. He was the founder of the center. So everyone was solemn and reserved, and I doubt they enjoyed having to try to explain everything to me by writing down broken English on paper. He had been sick (a smoker and drinker until changing his life around in the 80's) for a while and had been writing the church regularly until November 12, 2003. By then, he was too sick to continue writing, so he sent his final letter. Exactly 4 years later, he died. They said (as far as I could derive) that when he died, he kept saying "Arigato, arigato" and "his face looked like peace" ("like Cassie," she said!...maybe I misunderstood that part...). They read his letter aloud, but no one tried translating it. However, one girl (Junko..who never introduced herself to me and seemed a bit unfriendly), studied it by herself for a long time.

As we began distributing the food, Junko pulled me aside. She said (in great English!), the letter said: (paraphrase) "Thank you for everything. Please do not have a funeral for me. People die here everyday, so instead give back to them." Turns out unfriendly Junko had been focusing on translating the letter for me all that time! She was very sweet, but kept whispering when we talked and said "shh!" when I asked how she learned English (Very secretive about it?!!? Maybe she didn't think she was good enough? I couldn't figure it out).

Anyway, tonight, for the first time, we had leftovers. I was SO excited. On my way home, I always pass several homeless and always feel sad that I didn't sneak any back for them. So tonight I asked (through Junko) if I could take some of the leftovers. They gave me a lot and said I could eat it if I had extra  (or maybe they said don't eat it? I just heard the verb "Eat"). So on my way back I gave some out, but held on to the last two rice balls for a man I see every day (Kelly should remember him...he has the longest dreads ever and is usually chilling at 7eleven). After searching a few blocks (I was determined), I finally found him picking up cigarette butts on the sidewalk down the street from 7eleven. I gave him the food and he said, "Thank you very much!" He spoke better English than most of my students!

I love Wednesday.

Quick update

>Monday I got a spankin' new ride (see below), and took her for a test drive as soon as possible.
>Tuesday I experienced my first earthquake (however brief...a room shaking is still scary as all get out).
>Wednesday I went back to the feeding group and continued my training as a professional rice ball roller. This time Yoshi was not there, so I had no English speakers except Shigetomi sensei (the chaplain who brought me). It was good, because I had to strain even harder to try to pick up any of the language.
>Thursday I did nothing but teach ESS (English Club) how to play Psychiatrist (made me miss the quads...). But that's when I had a revelation that I need to get off my butt, learn some Japanese, and make some friends.
>Friday my adult classes went great, though I slipped up and told my beginners that they were old women (in all due respect...). They laughed (besides, they are old women). I also got an invite with two staff to go to Nara soon! (It's a cute tourist town, but the extent of my interest is in the rumor that deer are tame and hang out on the sidewalks...).

This weekend I've been a bum, just trying to find a wedding photographer and keep up on Prison Break. Nothing ground breaking or breathtaking this week, so stay tuned...

Christmas in November

I GOT A NEW BIKE!

I ate at McDonalds!

The most unprofessional news crew ever.

Kelly, a tourist in denial.

James the Hedgehog.

Kanami, one of my favorite witches ever.

I haven't written in a while, so I will quickly run through my last week or so (if that's possible for me).

>The Halloween party was fun. But no one actually dresses up here, they just put on Halloween-esque accessories, so my basketball player costume wasn't that impressive. But the hot dog roast and apple pie a la mode made my day!

>Classes are ok. I am beginning to like the adult classes more and more, even if they are rushed and stressful. I enjoy the pressure and feel like a real teacher. Not to say I don't enjoy my girls. I need to invest more time into planning each tutoring session, because each group is at a different level and one lesson plan isn't cutting it.

>Kelly came down this weekend and we visited Kyoto on Saturday. Thank goodness we went with laid back attitudes and short to-do lists, because we got terribly lost and everything was so hard to find. My preconceptions were really off base. Kyoto is indeed an actual city with buildings, people, and traffic. It was not a street of shrines, temples, castles, and souvenir shops. Darn it. As soon as we arrived, we were interviewed about our experience in Kyoto....maybe that was a hint that we were running behind schedule? We did succeed in accidentally finding a McDonald's, visiting 3 or 4 beautiful shrines/temples, and checking out a cute craft store where I picked up my first deck of Japanese playing cards. :) I plan to get one in every city. Of course, Kelly's stay was all too short, but I enjoyed the adventure and staying up way too late to talk about college and our future trip to Thailand. ^_^

>Today I visited Johanna and Kyoko in Yoa again. I went to their church for an outreach event (we watched Night at the Museum and ate really good sweets). I didn't plan on staying long, but they invited me to eat, so I said ok. I'm so glad I did. I forgot how much fun it is to hang out with them. Kyoko speaks perfect English, and they act like sisters, and they always teach me good inside facts about Japan and teaching. We went out to a barbecue place (which I expected to be like Dinosaur BBQ...silly me). There was a stove/grill right on the table. They bring you an [almost] entire cow and you grill it up. It was fantastic. Then we went shopping/exploring at their huge mall and I bought a Disney puzzle and an ice cream cone at a place much like our Cold Stone. mmm.

Now I am home and terribly behind on lesson plans, but of course blogging is more important. ;)

Enough Said...

Merry Christmas!

Apparently, the Japanese get started on holiday marketing even earlier than we do. I was told that maybe the store owners don't really know the significance of Christmas, but put the decorations on display simply because they are pretty and appealing. Sounds like America. ;)

This week was tiring. I got a lot of negative feedback from students (which is good...I ask for their advice so I can improve), so I've been self-conscious. Also, it has been cold and rainy. I've been feeling sick, and my mind is moving slowly. Come Wednesday, I just wanted to sleep after my busiest day of the week. A few weeks ago, I had told the chaplain I was interested in volunteer work in Osaka, and he told me that his brother-in-law works at a feeding center for the homeless on Wednesday nights, and invited me to go. Last week I simply never reported or investigated, so this week I knew I should at least show up to his office to arrange to go in the near future. However, when I opened the door, his face lit up and he said, "Ah! So you want to go tonight? Meet me here at 7." Don't you just hate when your manipulative plans are ruined by happy people?

Well, I was mad. I just wanted to sleep! My feet and nose and eyes and ears and throat hurt. But I showed up at 7. And I am really glad I did. I had an amazing time, as amazing as it can be while examining poverty in your neighborhood. The center is no bigger than a lounge in Minor (and much narrower). We crammed 10 or so bodies around a table, and got started making about 300 rice balls. One man said I was a very good rice ball maker, and would make a good Japanese mom anytime. Impossible, technically, but I appreciated the compliment. :) After an hour of dipping my hands in water, rubbing salt over them, and picking up steaming rice balls to pack tightly, my hands were raw but I was having fun (It was sort of like making snowballs, but a little more rice and a little less snow). We then packaged them up with a hard boiled egg and laid out some fleeces. After a tea break and some political discussions (I just ate pears and kept my mouth shut, obviously), we were ready to go.

We each took a discrete bag of food and a few jackets and went out around 9pm. Shops close around this time, so the homeless materialize from wherever they trekked during the day to set up camp on the sidewalks. Some had tents, some had tarps draped over a bike or a dumpster, some had cardboard boxes, and some simply curled up on the ground. I only saw one woman the entire night, but no one really had an explanation for me. Maybe, though, they were sleeping elsewhere. As we walked, the chaplain brought to my attention that many stores - though closed by 9 - still had a lamp on in the doorway or window. I had never really seen a red light district with my own eyes...

The food ran out far too soon, and I felt horrible as we approached a very populated area with only a few items left. The manner in which they are distributed is something we should imitate: you must get down to eye level with whomever you approach and say, "Dozo, konbanwa, daijobi desuka?" Mostly, no one replies. But occasionally, a man will light up and engage in a short conversation. One man told me "thank you" in English and seemed mighty proud of himself. :) Point being, the crew was very careful not to treat this like charity, but to instead approach each individual, ask how they are, and offer a treat. I know in general the Japanese way seems overly concerned with face-saving, but maybe in this case it is needed. We avoid eye contact. When we do help, we walk over and throw a quarter in a cup and walk away, proud. This group's method was so discrete, so sensitive. I felt like I was simply walking around and handing out treats to anyone I saw, not hunting out homeless to bring salvation.

At the end of the night, I felt bad because we hardly brushed the tip of the iceberg. The chaplain says that our area is the most concentrated in Japan because the government has programs here to help - like temp job placement or allowances - but because Osaka's economy is not very good right now, there aren't many jobs available. He said the homeless also find safety here. That's something you'd never hear in America. Anyway...I didn't really conclude anything about the economy or social system of Japan from that one experience, but I did conclude that I like the attitude that accompanies volunteering here. They didn't seem proud - like me - but simply like they were doing their job, doing what they were responsible for...Though I did catch one boy smiling an awful lot after handing out a few coats to especially cold men...how dare he! ;)

Manich Friday

Keiko
Chika




Yesterday was one of the craziest days so far, even though I only had 2 classes. Those two classes were my first adult education classes...and I was so nervous. First of all, the staff in charge speak very little English, so it was difficult to even prepare for the courses. Also, it poured all day which put a damper on my mood and seemed to make me late for everything. Also, because the courses are sponsored by the city, two representatives from the Ward's office (like our city halls) sat in for a bit and took pictures. On top of that pressure was the fact that 3 other OCC staff sat in (to support me, I guess, but it really just made me self-conscious).

The first class, beginners level, was great after all. I had been warned that they spoke little English, were scared, and probably wouldn't talk at first. However, they were great speakers (just needed a bit of prompting) and seemed really friendly and excited. Other than the fact that they are 10 older women, I kind of felt like I was teaching a kindergarten class that was pumped up for learning and excited about everything I said.

The second course, however, seemed scarier. It could be that it was much darker and rainier by the time it began, I was late because I was told the wrong building (turns out there is no basement in the library...just storage...oops), and the class was a bit more reserved. They were intermediate level, so they spoke better English, but they were also more confident in themselves, which means less reliant on me. They asked a lot of questions, but with a less childlike tone. They participated, but seemed too concerned with my judgment of their work. It felt like a serious college course where the students are educated, but much less enthusiastic by what I have to offer.

Again, the outside factors probably had a lot to do with it...but I definitely sensed a different atmosphere in each class. Either way, I survived! Then I took a long, deserved (I decided) nap.

That evening was the Cassie Welcome Party put on by the International Relations office and English Club. Turns out the party was more of a ceremony (I should have known!), but fun nonetheless. I gave a short slide show presentation of myself and took questions (most ended up being about Brian...), then participated in all sorts of Japanese games/traditions. I was the guest at a traditional tea ceremony put on by Chika and Yumi (on stage....in front of a crowd....that was bored watching some foreigner drink tea for 20 minutes, I bet). I got to dress up and mime Keiko perform kendo, Japanese fencing. I also learned about all sorts of Japanese toys from Miki, and I got to try them out (why does everything in this country have to be super advanced?! Don't they have bouncy balls??). I failed miserably in every case, but had fun. There was also food, but I hardly had a chance to eat. I must have taken 90 pictures....have to master my peace sign. That part was the best, I'd say, because the girls all approached me one on one and I felt like they were finally befriending me. They all promised to send me their pictures, so I will post them eventually.

It was a long day following an extremely long week, but I had fun and lived to tell about it.

[check out more pictures from the party on my photo blog]

I should be having a blast,

but I actually feel kind of blah. I guess that's not true. I meet new people and learn new Japanese and do new things everyday, but I feel unaffected. More to do with me than my environment. Maybe because it is coming at me so fast, but I can't take in much more or I have to push out the old. Like every new name I learn, I lose an old one. Every new word I learn, I forget another. Sensory overload...so my defense is to be comatose!

I think if I weren't broke (I haven't been paid yet, and I blew a lot of money on unexpected expenses up front) and if I knew a tiny bit more Japanese, I would be living it up in this city. Tennoji itself is amazing, and it's right out my door. But when I walk by concerts on the street, interesting smells coming from restaurants, or see cute little artists' shops, I have to keep walking because 1) I'm broke and 2) I don't even know how to ask how much things cost. Hint to those ever venturing overseas: learn the language from a native speaker, because CDs and books and English speaking teachers don't do it right. I thought I knew how to ask directions, but everyone looks at me like I'm crazy when I speak. Maybe the accent is wrong? Maybe it's too fast or too slow? Either way, I must not be saying it correctly.

I also am a bit down about some of the failed promises. I have no bike...I can borrow one from security if I'm feeling bold and if it's not after 5pm. There were a lot of costs I wasn't warned about - an $80 cell phone the school asked me to buy, health insurance costs (which I thought was free), etc. I also have no office computer, which is fine - I can bring my laptop. But I don't actually have a desk - it's a shared space. So I hang out in my apartment a lot, which they don't want me to do - they want me to spend time in the CALC lab so I can connect with the students (if I could just remember their names!).

Either way, I am feeling more and more settled everyday. I'm also getting more and more laid back every day (good or bad? I don't know...). If I get lost on the subway, oh well. If I am a few minutes late, it's okay. If I have no plans on Saturday or if I am sooo busy it hurts on Sunday, so be it. This could be because everyone here is so forgiving and gracious to foreigners. But it could also be because everyone here is in such a hurry that I already feel sluggish in comparison, so it's worsening naturally. This mean I will return to the states in a year either super fat, lazy, and apathetic or I will return 50 pounds lights, running everywhere with sore, tiny feet...

Anyway, I'm having a great time. I just wanted to record all the ups and downs honestly for anyone interested. I'm hoping as time goes by and I learn more Japanese, I won't feel completely zoned out in the city. Seriously...it's like walking through a movie on mute....with a really loud, distracting soundtrack...I know they are saying something. I know they are talking about things we talk about in our cities. I know they are eating and listening to music and buying clothes and getting on trains, but without understanding the language, I can't follow the plot. So I just listen to the loud music and keep walking. It's kind of fun sometimes, because I feel like I am a sociologist and this is my experiment. I can study everyone without them knowing it, because they can't understand me either. It's just that when I am tired from a long night class and just want to get home on the earliest train, I wish I knew how to ask which one it is.

Only 3 weeks??

Inside the home church...Meg, you like?

Our feast!




Today is my 3rd week anniversary in Osaka. I've experienced a lot already...homesickness, jet lag, awe, etc. This weekend was especially fun. Friday was pizza and movie night at the Parry's, and they bought white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. :-D Then Saturday I finally gave in a played with James...I forgot how fun Legos were! But seriously, I did experience Japan a little bit this weekend...

Today I went to Tomoko's church (in Totsuma's - another OCC staff- house). It was nice, and I had two personal translators...we had lunch afterward and I actually liked it (curry stew and rice maybe?). To top it off, it was the pastor's birthday so we had chocolate cake! Afterward, Tomoko wanted to introduce me to Johanna, another American from her church. Well, she is amazing and invited me to spend the day at her apartment. I met her roommate and friends, and we had a great meal and good time talking. Johanna and I swapped stories and talked about Christianity and evangelism here (or lack thereof). Dinner was Oden, a spicy winter stew that cooks in the middle of the table while everyone digs in together. I even ate soy beans and nattoo (so I can mark it off the list for good, right Kelly?).

When the ladies found out I was engaged, they made me tell the story. It made me miss Brian a lot...and this weekend was his birthday. It kind of scares me that all these things are going on at home and I don't know about them...people are going on with their normal lives, but I kind of imagined that they would pause while I was away. Johanna said she forgot about the term shotgun (she has been here 2.5 years) and who the president was...that scares me! I mean, I don't care about politics, but what if I forget birthdays and inside jokes and all that?

I don't have much time to mope...I begin teaching for real tomorrow. I am glad because it has been boring...I mostly eat junk food and watch tv (though my English choices are limited). So I am excited to get busy again. However, I am a little scared...I've always felt and looked so young that I'm afraid the girls won't respect me. And I'm even more afraid of my adult classes. I also talk like a New Yorker now, and need to slooooooow dooooown. There are just so many little things I should have been working on these 3 weeks, but now I'm out of time. Here goes nothing...

School of Models

Everyone here at OCC looks like they just stepped off the catwalk. I attended 3 classes today and repeated a game of introductions, and the entire time I was distracted by their style. Though every girl seemed like she had thrown on everything in her closet (cowgirl boots, knee high socks, tights, a mini skirt, 3 shirts, and 14 accessories), not one item appeared twice. So in three classes of ~25 girls, I think I saw more articles of clothing than I saw my entire Roberts career.

Anyway...fashion aside, today was great. Not all of the girls were friendly or curious, but most were. And of course, every class asked if I had a boyfriend, followed by "ooos" and "ahhhhs," followed by, "I am envious," or, "Does he have a friend?" Overall, today was not as embarrassing as I feared and got me pumped for tutoring and getting to know the girls better.

My favorite part of the day, however, was tea time with Tomoko. She spontaneously invited me for a date after reading my testimony for chapel (she is interpreting for me). I think she was more devastated than I am that my dad left our family, and wanted to talk about it. She bought us Starbucks' treats and made hot tea, and we chatted about dysfunctional families, my wedding, suicide rates in Japan, Christianity in Japan, and more. And as I left, she said "Goodbye my daughter!" She began working here right before I did, and I seriously can't imagine what this experience would be like if she weren't hired...she is definitely a Godsend (and I rarely consider people or events to be the will of God).

I will be heading to my first Japanese class tomorrow night, though this is really just an initial evaluation to determine which level I will be enrolled in (I could save them the trouble and just tell them "beginners," but it's important to follow protocol here...). I want to at least nail down my Katakana before then, but it is impossible! Advice: If you ever decide to move to Japan, learn Katakana before Hiragana. Despite what the experts say, Kelly and I agree that it is slightly more important to be able to buy food than to be able to spell out verb endings. I can't possibly focus on drinking if I can't distinguish juice from vinegar. ..

No news is good news...

That's right...you don't have to live in Cali to have palm trees on your campus :-P

The Central building where I will spend most of my time...

What keeps me going: Babies holding hands in matching hats :-D




I sort of stopped posting, eh? Well, it is because I lose track of the days (I'm trying too hard to stay in step with NY time) and because nothing is happening here.

I did meet with all of the English teachers/International Relations dept/Adult Ed and ironed out what exactly I traveled across the globe for. I finally met Dan Perry (I primarily TA for his English courses), since he had been at Roberts when I arrived here. He is American, so I can be sarcastic and know I'm understood.

I will be teaching a ton of TA groups and 2 adult classes, participating in the English club, organizing off campus/out-of-class English gatherings, speaking in chapel, and sitting around in the CALC Lab (like our Learning Center) in between my other duties to aid any girls with work or to simply talk to them in English. I will also be taking a weekly Japanese class. I can't wait to get started, but I'm also a little bummed because I thought I would have more free time. Really I will be out of the apartment 9-5 everyday and also some evenings. I mean, I shouldn't complain because this is a much better job with much better benefits than some alternative in Rochester, but I guess I was under the impression that I would have a lot of spare time to be by myself (and therefore get wedding planning done and catch up with all of you).

Who knows, maybe even with the 9-5 I will have a ton of spare time. I guess I won't release an official statement until after I begin working.

The Advetures of Cassie and Kelly

breath taking flowers :)



real bamboo...and I touched it!



the "GREATER" panda, trapped in a glass box :(



Osaka Castle, rebuilt again after a very traumatic history



my favorite part of this weekend: jelly fish!



I think I took more pictures of babies than anything else this weekend...



This weekend was absolutely crazy. Kelly and I did more sightseeing and walking than I have done in my entire life. We visited Tennoji Park & Zoo, Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium, and every mall this town has to offer (about 900). My feet are so sore, my camera battery drained, but I feel so refreshed. I needed that visit to remind me that I am not completely helpless, lost, and depressed here. Kelly, having been here 6 weeks now, is beginning to pick up the language and manners as well as the confidence to try out Japanese culture. She was such an encouragement just by being here and leading me through subway stations, escalators, menus, and more. I'm sad she had to leave, but definitely feeling great now that I am a bit more comfortable with my city/neighborhood and the year ahead.

We also visited an international church Sunday and a coworker's barbecue today. The service wasn't spectacular and the food was a bit much, but I made a lot of connections that I am excited about...I met some foreigners that are going through the same thing as me, and hopefully my new mini-support group will make the year fly by.

I don't want to bore you with pictures, so I just posted my favorite pictures from each spot (the rest are in my photo blog), and I am sure you can check out more on Kelly's blog as well.

Accomplished.

Today I cleaned the apartment and organized it top to bottom (there is so much clutter here from the girls before). It finally feels like my place, and not a temporary home with everyone else's leftovers. I also figured out the whole trash thing...burnables in one bag, plastic wrappers in another, metals and glass in another, and cans in another (that last one is really an improvisation by Jill because people were going through her trash to get the cans out, so she finally just began putting them in a separate bag to take).


View Larger Map

I also nailed down where I am on a map (check out this Google satellite image...zoom out to see how big/crowded the city is...it's scary). I looked up a few things for Kelly and I to do this weekend, AND I went grocery shopping and made it back to campus all by myself :-D.

I also introduce myself in front of the Child Education majors today in chapel. It was scary because the girls were chatting the entire time, so I couldn't tell if they were talking about me or just ignoring me and talking in general. By the way they acted during the message, I think it is the latter. Today gave me a bit of purpose and a reminder of why I am here (even if I have no idea my assignment yet!): the girls here could care less about Christ, it's just another school to them. So I have to do my best to be a good representation of both Americans and Christians. It's hard enough expressing Christ in English, I'm a bit nervous about doing it in a language I don't comprehend. But then again, maybe that will help...

Pressed, but not crushed.

I encountered, and killed, my first giant cockroach today.

I hate bikes.

What everyone needs in the morning: a good bathing in a giant sink.


My department: Office of International Relations.




Tomoko and I had more adventures in the city today...opening a bank account, buying a cell phone, getting my own signature stamp (Japanese sign with stamps, not pens), and getting lost. It took forever to open the bank account because the teller thought I was an exchange student, not a teacher, and students cannot open an account for 6 months....then after visiting two cell phone stores and finally making up our minds, I couldn't purchase it without the proper forms from the city ward, which Tomoko will get tomorrow. Tomorrow is a holiday (as is every day in Japan), so the cell phone store is closed, so I can't get the phone until Friday, which is crucial if I'm to meet my guest (Kelly!). It was a very fruitless day, save for the stamp, and I feel even more insecure on a bike than yesterday (though today no blood was shed).

But today was also good. I talked to Bob, Meg, Mom, Brian, Kelly, Katie, Bethany, and more. I felt more comfortable with Tomoko, I was okay with being lost (given I was with her), I watched a movie in English, I didn't sleep all day, I figured out how to use the washer, and I ate actual food! I think my spirits are improving.

Tomorrow I have to introduce myself in chapel (first of 3 introductions), but I'm not nervous because I have Tomoko to interpret---there is something about translation. Certainly a lot is lost, but then again it serves as a great buffer between stupid things I say and eloquent things the Japanese say. Wish me luck!

Abeno-ku

Erika, Sayaka, Chika...My tour guides (minus Keiko)

OCC, Huge and spacious in comparison to its surroundings



Yesterday was my first full day here...and it was horrible. I woke up dozens of times at night because my internal clock was switched, and when I finally arose at 10, I just wanted a warm shower to calm me down. I spent an hour trying to get the hot water to work! Turns out I was adjusting the volume for and hour, but I finally got it after a few breakdowns.

I had a mini-tour of campus and my neighborhood (Abeno) with Erika, Chika, Keiko, and Sayaka. Erika is very outgoing and talkative, so her and I chatted the whole time. The others hardly spoke, but were friendly nonetheless. I have no idea half of what they showed me because they either couldn't explain it in English or we don't have things like that here (a slot parlor?). Good news is there is a huge grocery store/mall, post office, ATMs, and train station within 5-10 mins walking. That much I figured out. Oh! And there is a KFC right down the street....the Colonel is FAT...I wonder if that's how they see Americans. :-P

Before the tour, OCC campus seemed small, cramped, and noisy. However, after the 2-hour tour of Abeno (I almost got hit by about 1,000 bicyclists), walking back into campus seemed so calm, spacious, and welcoming.

I am really overwhelmed by the crowds and the noise here...maybe once I can understand some of the language I won't be so bombarded. Then again, my English classes will bring some comfort...

I can't read my screen :(

I think I am updating my blog, but since I don't read Japanese....who knows!

I have arrived safe and sound (fairly). I almost missed my flight in Honolulu (they rushed me off the plane and I ran through the airport to the gate where my last flight was waiting for me). I was the ONLY American on the plane...Besides being stared at the whole time, I was feeling sick, the stewardess told me my luggage didn't make it (I found out later it did!), and my buttocks is so numb I don't want to sit for the rest of my life. But alas, I arrived. The airport was humid, but relatively simple to get in and out of, and I was greeted by 4 students and Jill and James (her very friendly 8-year-old son), and the head of my department---with a giant welcome sign and flowers. :) Tomorrow the girls are coming over at 2pm and taking me around town and campus.

The apartment is old and small, but cute nonetheless...I think once I organize it a little and unpack, it will feel more like a home. But for now, I am going to sleep...it is about 11pm here, but 10am at home and I have been up since 7am at home....er....for a long time. I will be more reflective when I can think again.

En route, technically

I guess today begins my journey to Osaka...though a few bumps in the road have already tainted the adventure. I'm sitting in Rochester Airport right now waiting 4 more hours until my flight to Detroit. Originally, I was flying to Detroit at 12:30, then straight to Osaka from there. Excellent, right? Well, since all flights to Detroit are delayed (Grace warned me about taking flights with short layovers in between), I would miss my connection. The NWA rep was great, though, and she tried her best to compensate. Now, I will get some free food, free hotel stay (in Minneapolis tonight), first class seats, and a trip to Honolulu (for an hour...)! I fly to Detroit, Minneapolis, Portland, Honolulu, then Osaka....I will arrive Sunday night Japan time (2 days from now either way). But good news: only one of my suitcases was overweight!

It was hard enough trying not to cry all morning with Brian, then all of this....I was happy I'd at least not have much time to think before arriving in Osaka, then crash for the night and sleep away the depression and jet lag....but now I have 2.5 days worth of traveling to contemplate and depress myself further.

I'm going to need a visit from Kelly pronto!